Giraffe on the move to bigger premises

Jan 20 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A RECRUITMENT company has shrugged off the economic downturn to announce a move into bigger offices.

Giraffe Recruitment, based in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, says the move is needed after doubling its recruitment team in the past four months in response to increasing demand for its services.

Giraffe, established in 2006, will become the third business to move from Hambleton District Council’s Springboard “start-up” business centre, at Stokesley Business Park, into the nearby Momentum office complex.

Giraffe is a general recruitment agency but says it has achieved particular success with skilled tradespeople and engineers for the offshore industry.

Manager Rowena Simpson said: “Start-up companies get three years at the Springboard centre, but we have chosen to leave six months early because we already need more space and our plans are for further growth.”

Giraffe, predominantly an internet and telephone-based business, recruits blue collar trades and white collar engineers, such as riggers, platers, welders and electrical, mechanical and process engineers.

Recently, it has doubled its recruitment team from four to eight, plus IT and admin support.

Rowena Simpson added: “The effects of the economic downturn are being felt everywhere, but while many companies are throttling back, we have total confidence in our product and are determined to continue the growth of the Giraffe brand in 2009.”

Springboard Business Centre manager Sharon Lomas said: “Springboard has been very effective in helping start-up businesses to access support during the crucial first three years, but there was always a concern that at the end of those three years these flourishing businesses might look elsewhere for more suitable premises.

“By establishing the Momentum Business Centre, where the offices give businesses greater freedom to develop and express their identity, we are enabling companies to grow and develop without leaving the Hambleton area.